Most lizards have a urinary bladder where the urine may be modified. Urinalysis may therefore not indicate renal function. A thin-walled bladder is present in most lizards and helps water retention. When absent, urine is stored in the distal colon. It connects to the cloaca by a short urethra which means that urine waste flows from the kidney through the ureter into the urodeum of the cloaca before entering the bladder (or colon for species lacking a bladder), resulting in non-sterile urine, unlike mammals.
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Most lizards have a urinary bladder where the urine may be modified. Urinalysis may therefore not indicate renal function. A thin-walled bladder is present in most lizards and helps water retention. When absent, urine is stored in the distal colon. It connects to the cloaca by a short urethra which means that urine waste flows from the kidney through the ureter into the urodeum of the [[Cloaca|cloaca]] before entering the bladder (or colon for species lacking a bladder), resulting in non-sterile urine, unlike mammals.
Reflux urine is concentrated.
Reflux urine is concentrated.
* Water deprivation and diets containing excessive levels of protein can cause [[Lizard Cystic Calculi|cystic calculi]].
* Water deprivation and diets containing excessive levels of protein can cause [[Lizard Cystic Calculi|cystic calculi]].
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==Literature Search==
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Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
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[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093069451.pdf ''' Reptile and amphibian renal systems.''' Wyneken, J.; Mader, D.; Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, Chester Heights, USA, Proceedings of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, 14th Annual Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 14-18 April, 2007, 2007, pp 62-68, 13 ref. - '''Full Text Article''']